Chapter 451: Warnings and Alliances
Xiao Ze noticed some restless movements among the crowd and furrowed his brows in slight annoyance. He decided to address the situation, stepping onto the stage.
"This public alchemy session has been a complete success. I thank everyone for coming. If there is a need for alchemy services, the Pill Tower will consider it," Xiao Ze began. He paused for a moment before continuing, his tone growing stern, "Of course, while the Pill Tower is not obliged to protect the pill from being stolen once it's been made, if such incidents happen within Holy Pill City, don't blame the Pill Tower for showing no mercy."
His words doused the budding schemes of those with malicious intent like cold water, causing them to reconsider their actions. Offending other forces might be manageable, but making an enemy of the Pill Tower was a different matter altogether. The Pill Tower was the sacred ground of alchemists on the continent, home to countless powerful alchemists. Provoking the Pill Tower could lead to endless troubles, given the clout these alchemists held and the countless strong warriors willing to assist them for a chance at their pills.
For the moment, his words effectively curbed the ambitions of many who coveted the ninth-grade divine pill.
Meanwhile, the middle-aged man with frost-white hair, having obtained the pill, quickly made his way to a secluded garden within Holy Pill City. The garden was heavily guarded, with sentries everywhere.
As the man approached, numerous eyes scrutinized him until his identity was confirmed, and the tense atmosphere relaxed.
"Greetings, Patriarch!" At the garden's entrance, an old man dressed in a pale gray robe greeted him with great respect.
The middle-aged man nodded and hurried deeper into the garden, followed by the elder who swiftly ordered an increase in security before accompanying him.
In a secret chamber deep within the garden, the middle-aged man approached a mysterious black coffin engraved with numerous runes. The coffin, made from a soul-affinitive wood, was designed to stabilize the soul power of the Frost Tribe's supreme elder, whose soul force was dissipating, necessitating his long slumber within this soul-preserving coffin.
Performing a complex series of hand seals, the middle-aged man activated the coffin's runes, causing them to flash. Slowly, the coffin lid began to open, revealing a pale, frail old man with white hair and a withered complexion. If anyone sensitive to soul energy were present, they would detect the weak soul force leaking from him.
The elder's eyes slowly opened, revealing dull, lifeless eyes that seemed to be walking towards death's embrace.
"Patriarch, have enemies invaded our clan again?" His voice was hoarse from disuse, and his first concern was for the clan's safety.
Touched by the elder's dedication, the middle-aged man quickly presented the ninth-grade divine pill, "Supreme Elder, I've acquired a ninth-grade divine pill that can heal your current injuries."
The elder was momentarily stunned by the potent medicinal strength within the pill, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes. He had always prioritized the clan over his health, enduring his deteriorating condition. He had planned to use the last of his strength to help the clan fend off a few more attacks from powerful enemies. But now, presented with a chance at recovery, he eagerly accepted.
Understanding the elder's excitement, the middle-aged man handed over the pill. "Supreme Elder, please refine this pill first and see if it works."
With a hopeful laugh, the elder replied, "If it truly works, perhaps my life is not yet over." He carefully opened the pill's seal, astonished by its potency—clearly, the work of a Dou Saint.
The rich medicinal fragrance filled the air as the seal was broken. The elder quickly resealed the coffin to begin refining the pill, hoping for a recovery that could continue his legacy and leadership.
Outside the secret chamber, the middle-aged man looked on with concern. Accustomed to concealing his emotions, he quickly masked his anxiety. "Hopefully, the Supreme Elder will recover... Alas, if only we had never ventured into that toxic secret realm..."
Back in the Pill Tower, Xiao Ze, having attended to the last of the visiting forces, took a deep breath. "Finally done entertaining all the forces that brought gifts. Thankfully, the other presidents helped share the load, or I'd have no time left for anything else."
The numerous forces seeking Xiao Ze's alchemy services were a testament to the scarcity of ninth-grade alchemists. Even the ancient clans, usually self-sufficient, sent representatives, hoping to secure his services as a backup option. While these clans often relied on the Medicine Clan for alchemy, having an alternative like Xiao Ze offered them flexibility and security against potential refusals from their usual allies.
"Reaching this level, I can now engage with the ancient clans on equal footing, and sometimes, they even need me," Xiao Ze reflected, appreciating the prestigious position of high-level alchemists on the continent.
Just then, the door knocked, and the Grand Elder entered, presenting a frost-embellished invitation. "President, the Frost Tribe has sent an invitation."
"For such minor matters, you could let the disciples handle it," Xiao Ze remarked, taking the invitation with a slight smile.
"Ah, it's no trouble at all," the Grand Elder chuckled, and Xiao Ze didn't insist further, opening the invitation.
After reading it, Xiao Ze smiled, "It seems the Frost Tribe's Supreme Elder has recovered and wishes to meet me personally."
The dealings of the day, ranging from warnings to forming new alliances, highlighted the strategic and diplomatic aspects of Xiao Ze's role as a powerful alchemist and leader within the Pill Tower.
(End of Chapter)
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